Side by side
Bette and Dolly trace parallel paths to stardom
Dolly Parton performs at a Tennessee air base.
By DAVID MENCONI, Staff Writer

You’d probably have trouble naming two less similar performers than Dolly Parton and Bette Midler. At first glance, they have nothing in common beyond their status as voluptuous bombshells. Midler is big-city sophistication, Broadway and a “Stepford Wife.” Parton is rural earthiness, the Grand Ole Opry and a “Steel Magnolia.” Midler sings in a theatrical croon, Parton a high choking sob. And Parton’s image is sweet while Midler’s is salty.Read More

BETTE MIDLER’S “Hulaween” gala at the Marriott Marquis had us all laden down with fresh flower leis, as we watched the auction of big ticket items that helped the evening rake in $1.3million for the star’s New York Restoration Project.

The infamous Harpies lunch group, of which I am a minor member, was auctioned off by Jamie Niven and Billy Crystal to two ladies who bid $11,000 apiece for the future pleasure of eating together with Bette and the likes of Barbara Walters, Cynthia McFadden and Peggy Siegal at the 21 Club. I guess the Harpies are good for something other than gossip fun and games after all.Read More

Thanks to my friend Mark in Luziana for reminding me of BLB’s second anniversary. I’m horrible at remembering anniversaries and birthdays so this is no surprise to me.

I’d just like to thank everyone who’s made this site so successful…to those who constantly share their talents with me, all the way to those who read it on a consistent basis that just get enjoyment out of it. That’s all I had ever hoped for and much, much more…I mean this was not supposed to happen! It was a divine fluke!Read More

This is just a reminder for everyone to get on over to Bette on the Boards and view the special film he has created for Bette fans. Darrell has consistently and diligently given us a site that any true historian would die for...this just happens to be the early history of Bette Midler from the 70's and 80's...Darrell's favorite decade(s) of Ms. Midler's phenomenal career....

Posted inGeneral|TaggedBette Midler|Comments Off on Bette On The Boards: “Bette Midler: The Onstage Decade” by Darrell Redmond.

THE RACE FOR THE WHITE HOUSE
Kerry: Candidates Use Their Muscle, Hone Messages in Final Days
Challenger shifts his tone to put a positive face on the closing days of the campaign. Bruce Springsteen and Bette Midler stump in Miami.
By Matea Gold
LA Times Staff Writer

October 30, 2004

Photo: Getty Images (Thanks Wendy For Sending Them)

MIAMI — After assailing President Bush all week for a missing cache of explosives in Iraq, Sen. John F. Kerry turned to broader themes Friday, distilling the race down to a choice between a misguided, ineffective incumbent and a challenger who offers a brighter future.Read More

Posted inGeneral|TaggedBette Midler|Comments Off on Rallying For Kerry: It’s Time For A Change!

BLB reader and BetteHead, Lorine Hirst, won front row seats and backstage passes for Kiss My Brass in Philly. Supposedly, the radio station sponsoring this event had a “finish the song” contest and Lady Lorine won hands down.

So congrats to Lorine!! I know some people going to the Philly show that will be quite green with envy!!! 🙂

In South Florida, Kerry promises healthy economy, support for Israel
BY WILLIAM E. GIBSON
South Florida Sun-Sentinel

Photo: Eric W.

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – (KRT) – Striving to attract wavering voters in South Florida, Democratic presidential candidate John Kerry promised on Friday to help secure Israel and to generate jobs at home by investing in space-age technology as part of a new era of discovery.

Kerry’s stump speeches in West Palm Beach and Miami just four days before the election were laced with references to Florida and a wide range of foreign and domestic issues designed to reassure a fretful electorate.Read More

Posted inGeneral|TaggedBette Midler|Comments Off on Midler, Springsteen Rally For Kerry in Miami